Genetics, Efficiency, and Partnerships Take Center Stage at 2025 Feeding Quality Forum

September 3, 2025

The 2025 Feeding Quality Forum, hosted by Certified Angus Beef, brought together cattle producers, feeders, and industry leaders to focus on the future of beef production. The two-day event highlighted a central message: genetics, efficiency, and strong partnerships are critical for ranchers and feeders looking to capture premiums and meet growing consumer demand.

Genomics Driving Predictability

Angus breeder Brian McCulloh of Viroqua, Wisconsin, emphasized that every cow-calf operation faces unique management and environmental challenges. While visual evaluation remains valuable, he noted that today’s genomic tools provide producers with a powerful layer of predictability.

“We now have genetic predictions that are enhanced with genomic information that get at the actual genes,” McCulloh said. “These genomic-enhanced EPDs increase the odds of a favorable outcome, which is especially important when a breeding decision can take five years before proving itself.”

Partnerships Linking Ranch to Feedlot

That predictability carries through to the feedlot, where feeders are looking to align with ranchers who share data and breeding goals. Cattle feeder Dallas Knobloch of 4K Cattle LLC in Hills, Minnesota, said that success begins with herd health and management, but true value comes when ranchers and feeders collaborate on carcass data.

“With Upper Iowa Beef, we are able to get very conclusive lot information back,” Knobloch explained. “That allows us to make adjustments—whether it’s genetics, carcass size, or efficiency—without drastic changes. It’s about knowing where you came from and where you’re going.”

Consumer Demand Holding Strong

Even as cattle numbers remain tight, beef demand has proven resilient. David O’Diem, Vice President of Retail for Certified Angus Beef, said elevated beef prices have not deterred consumers.

“Despite those elevated prices, the demand has remained constant to slightly up,” O’Diem said. “Consumers don’t want to gamble with their dollars—they want a great eating experience that’s repeatable, and that’s what the brand has delivered for more than 40 years.”

O’Diem noted that demand for premium beef has surged, with more cattle than ever qualifying for Certified Angus Beef Prime. What was once an 8–9% Prime grade rate has now pushed above 12%.

Efficiency and Sustainability

Knobloch also cautioned ranchers not to focus solely on adding pounds. With cheap cost of gain and high prices, the temptation is strong, but he warned that overfeeding can erode consumer trust.

“The discipline it takes to hold our quality and premium to get to what the consumer wants is our number one struggle,” Knobloch said. “Efficiency is also about how much red meat we can return off an acre of grass, and Angus genetics fit very well into that model.”

The Takeaway

From genetics to grazing, the Feeding Quality Forum underscored that success in today’s beef business requires clear breeding goals, the use of modern genomic tools, and strong partnerships that tie the ranch to the feedlot and ultimately to the consumer’s plate.

Source: Western AG Network